Akufo-Addo Commissions 105 Militarized Vehicles To Boost Country’s Terrorism Fight

President Akufo-Addo has commissioned one hundred and five (105) militarized vehicles donated by the European Union (EU) to boost the efforts of the Ghana Armed Forces aimed at securing the northern frontiers of the country from the activities of terrorists who are operating in neighbouring Burkina Faso and the Sahel region.

Speaking at a ceremony to commission the militarized vehicles at the forecourt of the Ministry of National Security, today Saturday 28 October 2023, President Akufo-Addo said that no single country can fight terrorism and violent extremism, a growing threat in the West Africa Region, all by itself.

*Pivotal role*

President Akufo-Addo indicated that the latest attempts by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel to extend their activities to coastal West Africa are clear and obvious and they do pose a substantial security risk to the people and stability of Ghana.

He further observed that “recent occurrences of terrorist activities in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Togo, and Bennin underscore the pressing need for Ghana to enhance her counter-terrorism measures” in order to secure the territorial integrity of the nation.

“These vehicles will play a pivotal role in our efforts to fortify Ghana’s northern frontiers against terrorism. I assure his excellency, Josep Borrell Fontelles, and the European Union that Ghana is committed to utilizing these resources including the militarized vehicles for the agreed purposes which include securing our northern frontiers against terrorist incursions” President Akufo-Addo said.

“Ghana stands ready to continue to collaborate with the European Union to safeguard our mutual security interest, particularly, in the West Africa region. I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the European Union for this generous donation, which reflects the depths of our partnership and shared commitment to a safer, more secure future” Akufo-Addo added.

*EU support*

Vice President of the European Union, Josep Borrell Fontelles in a statement on behalf of the Union noted that “the spillover of insecurity from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea countries is not a risk anymore”. He said “It is, sadly, a reality, a reality that [the EU’s] partners cannot, and should not face alone.

“We heard your call at UNGA last month when you requested more international solidarity in the fight against conflict and violent extremism. The EU is ready to answer this call. The time has come to put words into action. That is why, today, I am happy to hand over 105 armored vehicles.

“This is part of a €20 million package of equipment to help reinforce the Ghanaian Armed Forces. Further equipment will also be delivered in the future, notably for aerial surveillance, electronic warfare systems, and rivercraft. We are confident that this support will benefit not only Ghana but the entire sub-region as well” Josep Borrell Fontelles said.

“The equipment delivered today comes on top of ongoing projects to reinforce border management and prevent local tensions. However, countering terrorism requires more than armored vehicles and drones. Successful prevention requires improved service provision and job creation, especially for youth and women.

“Investments for socio-economic inclusion, in the Northern Regions of Ghana, in particular, are key. A large proportion of our current bilateral cooperation € 203 million for 2021-2024 – is dedicated to those priorities. The EU is also supporting Ghana in the promotion of sustainable growth, digital and green transitions, and climate resilience reinforcement of health and education systems” the EU Vice President further remarked.

*Critical milestone*

Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah in his address registered the appreciation of the government to the European Union for the assistance offered to Ghana in her quest to secure its northern frontiers and her territorial integrity as a whole.

Kan Dapaah added that the donation of the EU marks a critical milestone in the nation’s journey to enhance its security and counter-terrorism efforts. He indicated that the donation by the EU to Ghana is the end product of a mission that the President set for the heads of the country’s security architecture some two years ago, which has been fulfilled.

Among others, Mr Kan Dapaah said the 105 cars donated by the European Union include 13 Landcruiser Pick-ups, 10 GMC Sierra, Toyota Landcruiser, Toyota Single Cabins, Chevy Silverado, and Sierra Pick-ups. These vehicles, the National Security Minister said, will go a long way to augment ongoing efforts to keep the country’s northern borders safe.

From Wilberforce Asare